What To Know In VA As Deadline To File 2022 Income Tax Returns Nears

VIRGINIA — Some 90 million Americans have filed their 2022 income tax returns as the April 18 filing deadline in Virginia approaches, about 1.1 million fewer than at this time last year, according to the Internal Revenue Service.

State income tax returns are due May 1 in Virginia.

Most taxpayers have three extra days to file their tax returns this year. April 15 is traditionally Tax Day, but falls on a Saturday and the next weekday, April 17, is recognized as Emancipation Day in Washington, D.C., so federal offices, including the Internal Revenue Service, are closed on that day.

By law, that affects the tax deadlines for all Americans, just as other federal holidays do.

The IRS said many people in Georgia, Massachusetts, South Carolina and Virginia will not have to report state assistance payments if they meet certain requirements. For these individuals, state payments will not be included for federal tax purposes if the payment is a refund of state taxes paid and either the recipient claimed the standard deduction or itemized their deductions but did not receive a tax benefit.

• Related: Inflation Adjustments Will Lower Taxes in 2023

Taxpayers who earned $73,000 or less in 2022 can take advantage of the IRS Free File program, available only online and using brand-name software provided by commercial tax filing companies. That opened Jan. 13.

If you don't qualify for free online filing options, you can still file your return electronically with the help of commercial tax preparation software. View approved software options for Virginia filers.

What you need to know about filing taxes in Virginia

• Taxpayers are encouraged to file their returns electronically and use direct deposit for the fastest possible processing and to ensure they receive all possible refunds and to avoid postal service delays.
• Find out if you’re eligible to claim the federal and state Earned Income Tax Credits. It is a refundable tax credit that supplements the wages of workers with low to moderate incomes.
• For questions related to federal taxes, visit irs.gov or call 877-777-4778.

Among a couple of changes to be aware of when filing 2022 tax returns:

The standard deduction increases to $12,950 for single filers and $25,900 for married couples filing jointly, up from $12,550 and $25,100, respectively, for 2021 tax returns.

Income tax brackets went up in 2022 to account for inflation, and will also increase this tax year. Tax rates per income bracket for the 2022 taxable year are:

• 10 percent: up to $10,275 for single filers, $20,550 for married couples filing jointly, $14,650 for heads of household.
• 12 percent: $10,276-$41,775 for single filers, $20,551-83,550 for married couples filing jointly and $14, $51-$55,990 for heads of household.
• 22 percent: $41,776-$89,075 for single filers, $83,551-$178,150 for married couples filing jointly and $55,991-$89,050 for heads of household.
• 24 percent: $89,076-$170,050 for single filers; $178,151-$340,100 for married couples filing jointly and $89,051-$170,150 for heads of household.
• 32 percent; $170,051-$215,950 for single filers, $340,101-$430,900 for married couples filing jointly and $170,051-$215,950 for heads of households.
• 35 percent: $215,951-$539,900 for single filers, $430,901-$647,850 for married couples filing jointly and $215,951-$539,900 for heads of household.
• 37 percent: Over $539,900 for single filers, $647,850 for married couples filing jointly and $539,900 for heads of household.

For planning purposes, the standard deduction goes up to $13,850 for single filers and $27,700 for married couples jointly filing tax returns in 2024. Also, the tax brackets will also increase in 2023 on taxes due in 2024.

The IRS expects to process most returns and make a direct deposit in the taxpayers’ bank account within 21 days of receipt of the completed tax returns. Taxpayers should check Where's My Refund? on IRS.gov for their personalized refund status.